19 April 2018

Hot Snakes - Jericho Sirens

Hot Snakes first came to my attention via my love of Rocket From The Crypt, but soon I feel for their spiky charms which are intoxicating if I'm honest. Anything that John Reis is doing, I tend to check out. Formed in 1999 and originally lasting till 2005, Hot Snakes features the talents of Rick Froberg, John Reis Gar Wood, Jason Kourkounis & Mario Rubalcaba. They are a Post-Hardcore act with members having already played in Drive Like Jehu, Pitchfork, The Night Marchers, Obits and many more. So, even before you hear a note from this band, they've already got heritage and a CV which would make most other artists seem lazy. Released in the early part of 2018, Jericho Sirens was released via Sub Pop, it is also their first album since 2004's Audit in Progress. It has been a long time coming, especially since they got back together in 2011. The fans have been hungry for this record, but how has it turned out?

Jericho Sirens can best be described as high-octave, fast tempo, aggressive surfer, hardcore punk-rock-arama fun!There is no let up over the thirty-one minutes that comprise the duration of Jericho Snakes, it’s a wham-bam-thank-you-mam type of record. You’re not going to search for this album when looking for ballads, you’re only going to look for this album when you want to stomp around and pogo.From the infectious “I Need A Doctor”, the smash/grab heartbeat of “Have Another?” to the brooding ending of “Death of a Sportsman”, Hot Snakes have proven beyond any doubt that when they’re on fire, nothing can touch them.Are there any issues?Well, if your looking for variation, then you might want to look elsewhere.This is a straightforward album which does not deviate from that pre-ordained path, with that path being the pursuit of fast & furious Hardcore/Rock & Roll.Hot Snakes play to their collective strengths, they don’t show any of their weaknesses and they keep everything simple.So, it all depends on how you view the style of music they are releasing.Jericho Sirens is designed to make you move, if this is not your cup of tea, then they really won’t care.That is the sign of a band who know exactly who they are and what they should be doing.If you love surf-influenced Post-Hardcore Punk Rock, you would be a fool to ignore this album.8 out of ten - Oh, now you have my attention and maybe my time, money and heartTop track - I Need A DoctorYou can purchase Jericho Sirens on Amazon here.

Welcome to the final round-up review of 2017! Similar to the Round-Up posts I put up earlier in the year, I’m going to be posting some bull...

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Album scoring system

0 - This is proof there is no deity1 - You're really are touching the bottom of the barrel with this one2 - If only there was some quality control3 - It could have been a bit better4 - Well it's alright, but still......5 -Not for everyone but played well6 - Now I see where you were going, but it's not quite there7 - This is good and well worth a check8 - Oh, now you have my attention and maybe my money, time and heart9 - Almost perfect....Almost10 - This is proof there is a deity(For albums that are too crazy to be marked)Crazy Cat symbol - This album cannot be marked, so here is a box of kittens

Singles/EP Marking System

0 - Only to be listened to by people bless with the gift of being deaf1 - Not so much on the bad that it is bottom of the barrel, but it can see the stuff down there2 - Not bad, not good - so average it is Zen3 - Decent, getting there4 - This is really good, well worth checking out5 - I wish I had extra ears to love this more(For Singles/EPs that are too crazy to mark)Crazy Cat symbol - This release cannot be marked, so here is a box of kittens